You were the one who made those boastful promises, so why are you the one apologizing?
Tachibana Yu held Shiori's gradually cooling hand and burst into tears, even drowning out the voice of Tachibana Ou beside him.
Outside the ward, the members of the Hanabishi Association, dressed in neat black suits, stood silently, their suppressed sobs rising and falling.
Shiori Takahashi's death was not a typical melodramatic plot involving revenge from enemies, as often seen in dramas; it was simply due to her poor health.
At that time, the Hanabishi-kai was rapidly expanding and developing its power. She single-handedly managed the logistics of the entire Hanabishi-kai with her slender shoulders, and even remembered the names of the new subordinates in the organization.
Overwork and pregnancy took a toll on her health, but seeing Tachibana Yu working just as hard, she swallowed her words and silently endured everything.
Therefore, by the time Tachibana Yu noticed, Takahashi Shiori's physical condition had already reached a point of no return.
At that time, with bloodshot eyes, he ran to the Kii family to beg for the help of the great demon "Kira" who had healing abilities, and was even willing to sign a contract with harsh conditions. Everyone in the Hanahiko Society had no objection to his decision.
Nevertheless, it was to no avail.
The only thing Kira could do was to ensure that Shiori could live a few more months after giving birth to Tachibana.
The name Juhuang was decided jointly by the two of them.
The phoenix, capable of rising from the ashes, embodies their shared aspirations.
But in the end, the miracle was out of reach.
That was the first time in Tachibana Yu's life that he tasted the bitterness of regret.
He was too ashamed to see Takahashi's parents again, but every year he would send them countless gift boxes of health supplements, and then silently watch the things that were returned.
Everyone who advised him to remarry was met with a barrage of angry words. He took over all of Shiori Takahashi's work by himself, working himself to the bone every day, as if using this method to numb himself.
On the anniversary of Shiori's death, he would get completely drunk.
Just as he told Ju Huang, dealing with work that wasn't within his purview could generate negative emotions, and he regretted it almost every moment.
See, I can actually do those jobs for you too.
But why, why did I push all the blame onto you in the first place?
Tachibana no Yu didn't want Tachibana no Ura to repeat his mistakes, but looking at his son standing in front of him and listening to his resounding words, he was lost in thought.
In the end, he could only sigh deeply.
"never mind."
"I said I wouldn't interfere in your love life, and I mean it."
"It's good that you know what's going on."
He stood up, but perhaps because he had been sitting for too long and his blood circulation was poor, he couldn't stand steadily for a moment and swayed a couple of times. Fortunately, he was quickly supported by Ju Huang in the next second.
"Dad!"
"I'm not so old that I can't walk."
Tachibana Yu stubbornly pushed his hand away, walked towards the door with his hands behind his back, and watched his powerful steps as always, but Tachibana Huang's gaze unconsciously fell on the top of his head illuminated by the light.
So... Dad has gray hair too.
Just before stepping out the door, Tachibana Yuu suddenly stopped and said without turning around:
"Although you can't go to the academy during this time, you can't fall behind in your studies."
"I'll talk to Tenkai-kun later and ask him to find a classmate to come to our house to tutor you."
"I think...you must have someone suitable in mind, right?"
After saying that, he walked out of the meditation room, and as he listened to the cheers behind him, a smile appeared on his lips.
He keeps saying he's not a child anymore, but now it seems he's just as immature as ever.
I must go to Shiori's memorial tablet today and have a proper talk with her about this...
-
"Ah, Kii-kun is paired with the transfer student?"
The teacher in charge of taking notes wrote down the two names and nodded in acknowledgment.
Watching the two figures walk away together, she couldn't help but shake her head and sigh.
The sight of the two of them together was a double dose of beauty; not only her, but even the first-year students passing by couldn't help but cast their gazes over.
but……
The teacher looked through the previous records and found that Kii Kanade had been teaming up with Yukimura Masashi or Tachibana Ou for the past two years, and this was the first time he had teamed up with someone else.
I heard that Tachibana was punished by Tianhai and sent home to reflect again. Does that mean that this time only Yukimura will be left?
Thinking this, she looked around and spotted Yukimura Masashi in a corner. He was talking to another male classmate wearing a hat.
But that person... doesn't seem to be a third-year student?
"Hello, senior. I am a new first-year student. My name is Asami Haruki."
Masashi Yukimura, who was doing his stretches, suddenly stopped when he heard the other person's name and looked over with cold eyes.
"humble opinion?"
“…Yes.” Asami Haruki clenched his fist secretly, suppressing the burning jealousy in his heart as he spoke, “Asami Miri is my brother.”
So this is the guy who got entangled in the ghost story of the "non-existent thirteenth person".
Masashi Yukimura stared at him for a few seconds before looking away.
"Is there something you need?"
He asked that question, but he didn't stop to wait for Asami Haruki. Instead, he strode towards the track.
Upon seeing this, Asami Haruki quickened his pace.
"Our first-grade class is also a practical exercise. I see you're alone, senior. Can we team up?"
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